Midfield will be the key area in derby day clash

Mar 21 2006 By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

IT IS not often you get both sides heading into derby week in such good form.

That certainly was not the case earlier in the season when Everton and Liverpool met. Everton were really scratching for results while Liverpool were sweeping all before them.

But recently David Moyes's side have been playing some great football, and have built on an impressive second-half display in the draw against West Ham to see off Fulham and Aston Villa. They are playing with great self-belief and have scored some spectacular goals.

James McFadden and James Beattie are proving a real handful while the midfield players, such as Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Leon Osman, are looking strong across the middle of the pitch.

And that will be one of the key area's in Saturday's derby because Liverpool can be so dominant in that department. But Everton will arrive at Anfield posing a real threat to the home side, particularly if they can match or better their opponents in the midfield battle.

Much has been made of Mikel Arteta's excellent form since his move out wide, but another player to benefit has been young Scot, James McFadden. He made a good, early impression after moving to Goodison Park but so much discussion since has centred on his best position. Is he a left winger, left midfielder or should he play up front off the centre forward?

A few injuries have not helped his cause but Evertonians are starting to see an end product to his promising talent. The club's coaching staff deserve a pat on the back, too, for keeping at him in the right way so that his hard work is paying off. I've yet to see a player who does not have to work hard at his game. If the likes of Kenny Dalglish had a bad day, they would just go away and work even harder in read-iness for the next match.